Robust control law for a friction-based semiactive controller of a two-span bridge

This paper addresses the problem of formulating a feedback control law for the semiactive control of a class of two-span bridge, which is equipped with controllable friction devices at the joints between the columns and the deck. A finite element model is available to represent the essential dynamical features of the bridge. Based on this model, a Lyapunov-based robust semiactive control law is designed, which uses feedback from the nodes where the devices are located. Two sources of uncertainties are considered in the design: a first order actuator dynamics and a seismic excitation at the column supports. After the formulation of the control law, numerical tests are performed to assess the efficiency of the control scheme to reduce the response of the bridge.